APRA has published a draft reporting standard to formalise capital measures and reporting requirements previously announced in relation to COVID-19. Background.

The new Attachment E to Prudential Standard APS 220 Credit Quality provides that where an ADI provides an eligible borrower with an eligible repayment deferral, the period of deferral does not need to be treated as a period of arrears for prudential purposes, nor do the loans need to be regarded as impaired. An ADI may pause the counting of days past-due from the date on which the repayment deferral is granted.

The temporary capital treatment is available until the earlier of either:
(a) an aggregated period of ten months from when the initial repayment deferral was granted; or
(b) 31 March 2021.

The temporary capital treatment ends on 1 April 2021 for all loans, irrespective of when the repayment deferral was initially granted or the period remaining on a deferral.

For the purpose of the Prudential Standard, a deferral period, an extension of maturity or capitalisation of interest that results solely from implementing an eligible repayment deferral is not a restructure.

APRA has also updated its banking COVID-19 frequently asked questions relating to the treatment of loans impacted by COVID-19.

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